favorable

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈfeɪ.vɚ.əbl/ (US)^[1]

Etymology

It is inherited from Middle English favourable, borrowed from Middle French favorable (“well-disposed, partial”),^[2][3] from Latin favōrābilis (“favoured, popular, pleasing”),^[2][3] from favor (“goodwill, partiality”) (see favor), from faveō (“to favour”).^[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Kind, friendly: the late 14th century in Etymonline, the 14th century in Merriam-Webster.^[2][3]

Semantic evolution

In Middle English it also meant attractive, pleasing or agreeable.^[2] Advantageous is from the mid-15th century.^[2] Of a wind, following, is a nautical use.^[4]

Timeline

• late 14th century – kind, friendly.^[2]
• mid-15th century – advantageous.^[2]

Modern meaning

Adjective

1. Showing approval; positive: a favorable review.
2. Helpful or advantageous; likely to bring success.
3. Granting what is asked.

Word family

• favorableness
• favorably
• nonfavorable
• unfavorable

Related words

• favor
• favorite
• favour
• favourable

Usage notes

Favorable is the American spelling of British favourable.^[5][4]

References

1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ a b c d Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
4. ^ a b The Chambers Dictionary (2008), 11th ed., Edinburgh: Chambers Harrap
5. ^ Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (2009), 5th ed., Harlow: Pearson Longman